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Manchester United: Why Their £24m Talisman Might/Might Not Perform This Season

The Red Devils have surely done some good business this transfer window, picking up talented prospects for a decent price. Louis van Gaal can finally build up a squad and fix some of the mistakes ex-manager David Moyes made with the team.

Speaking from a regular viewpoint, after Sir Alex Ferguson resigned, left Old Trafford and entrusted the entire club to David Moyes, the backing up of a wonderful era was destroyed in one season as they finished 7th in the table. Considering the pressure it took to be a manager of the biggest club in the world, David Moyes is just partly to blame. A crumbling defense and midfield were the biggest highlights of last year.

What also followed was a terrible season for the ‘Flying Dutchman’, Robin van Persie. Arriving from rivals, Arsenal, for £24 million two years ago, a lot was expected from the talisman. And sure enough, his first season in the Reds jersey saw him win his first Premier League title, raking up 26 goals and 8 assists in 35 league appearances. His presence in the team was instrumental and the deadly combo of Wayne Rooney and the Dutchman had been brought out and the next season was highly looked forward to.

But as we’ve seen through his Arsenal career, van Persie always has a knack of picking up injuries which are well documented and have clearly put him out of contention, resulting in the decline of the club. Reason being, he’s one of the most technical strikers in the world, quite possibly the best; and if the Netherlands captain isn’t a part of the squad, it affects the entire team chemistry and co-ordination with which they play.

Taking a look at last year’s performance, in his 21 appearances in the league, he scored 12 goals and was vital in giving 3 assists overall. Now, for a full time striker, who is their main target man, a minimum of 32 appearances with 20 goals is required. Otherwise, that just puts you in a lower league of average forwards.

Another reason of his probable performing chart this year would be his pace. He isn’t fast on the pitch and with every club looking physical at the back, getting through will be tougher than ever. Rooney’s presence to be playmaker, rotating with Juan Mata might offload some of the burden off Persie but his work-rate will have to improve significantly, with pure consistency throughout.

Of course the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil had been a dream run for the Holland squad and van Persie in particular. But with a year-long football season ahead, being fit will be the key to his goal scoring abilities.

He brings life to the play up front and can mesmerize with a simple touch in the box. What also pushes the forward to be one of the best is his amazing finishing. His left boot is just too good and can blast the opposition if he’s on the right track. Adding on, he has brilliant vision and composure to keep his game within check.

With that said Persie might step up and give this year a bull eyes and take United back to the former glory days. Or his injuries and age alone might push him out and drag the Red Devils back to another hell of a season.